History
of Microsoft Flight Simulator

Sitting back in the Cessna
172 Skyhawk cockpit I am enjoying the splendid scenery of Mount McKinley
in the Alaskian Mountains in sunset. Hang on! It reminds of something!
The imagination of a MS Flight Simulator 2004 pilot travels back to
1980...

subLOGIC Flight Simulator
1 for Apple II, made later 1979 (hit markets in January 1980)

History of
subLOGIC/Microsoft Flight Simulator...

The
year 1980 saw the first official arrival of a flight simulating program
– subLOGIC Flight Simulator 1 which was created by a young graduee of
the University of Illinois, Urbana – Champaign, Bruce A. Artwick. By
today’s standards, perhaps some readers may not disguise their amusement
when looking at the crude line graphics, but on the other hand, at that
time the program represented a major breakthrough in aviation
simulation. Its revolutionary contribution lies in the fact that it
exploited capabilities of contemporary computers not only for
calculations of simulation of numerous flight parameters, but also for
their graphic representation on the screen. Thus, this is how probably
the first 3D flight simulator was born so that it could be used by any
enthusiast on his home computer.

Bruce Artwick did not
create the first version of Flight Simulator overnight. He seriously
took the matter up as early as during his university studies. According
to some references, he started to work on an initial demo which would
prove his abilities when applying for a job. Later Artwick published his
ideas in several magazines and he received positive responses from
readers who wanted to buy such a program. Then he became a co-founder of
his company called subLOGIC which produced flight simulators and
accessories for various types of computers. The first version of Flight
Simulator was released more than 30 years ago and it has become legendary...

Pictures from
Flight Simulator 1 for Apple II are sometimes monochromatic (white or
green), but even the first variant comprised four colours, so the
picture was in single colour only when a monochromatic monitor was used
with Apple II. Flight control data for the Sopwith F.1 Camel were
digital on the instrument panel, only altitude and speed were indicated
in analogue way in two octagonal instruments. The oldest scenery was
composed of 6 x 6 squares with a flat mountainous panorama in the north
(the picture on the top).
In addition, there were three airfields one of which was enemy and
another one civilian. The scenery also sported an enemy fuel dump. The
vital part of the game was “British Ace” 3D Aerial Battle Game mode in
which you encountered a few enemy aircraft represented only by hardly
recognizable spots. In this combat mode the mutual position of aircraft
was indicated on a square radar screen in the right section of the
instrument panel. Upgraded modifications, still designated as Flight
Simulator 1 were marketed on 5.25” floppy disc. There is also the modification
with 12 x 12 squares scenery, river and 3D objects (a bridge and a
pyramid), but it is not probably made
originally by subLOGIC.

subLOGIC Flight Simulator
1 for Apple II

In March 1980 subLOGIC
released their Flight Simulator 1 for the Tandy Radio Shack computer –
TRS-80. At first sight it looks as it was a much older variant (some
even say that this is actually the demo mentioned above), but in fact it
is a full-scale edition for that popular computer. Its obsolete
appearance is caused by technical restrictions. Its original manual,
which is available to downloadsays that the version for the TRS-80
benefited from experience of virtual pilots of the version for Apple II.
This time Artwick placed a stylized instrument panel providing digital
data and linear graphic speed and altitude indicators in the field of
128 x 48 points. There are many modifications of version 1 for the
TRS-80 (I have nineteen of them) which are very similar. At first they
were recorded on MG cassettes, then they were distributed on 5.25”
floppy discs. All the modifications were monochromatic, so the picture
was either black/white or black/green depending on the type of a monitor
supplied with the TRS-80 computer.

subLOGIC Flight
Simulator 1 for TRS-80, 1980

Flight
Simulator became extremely popular, so no wonder that Artwick was
approached by fledgling Microsoft that asked him to prepare a version
for IBM PC. This package came out as Microsoft Flight Simulator 1, 1.00
respectively (user
manual), in late 1982, and was signed by Bruce Artwick. The program
was distributed on a 5.25” floppy disc and its start-up was very easy,
because a computer booted itself from that disc. If you check the
content of the floppy in some kind of explorer, you will find only one
tiny file “fs.com” which also enables you to run the simulator. In fact,
the main part of the program and sceneries were dispersed all over the
disc in order to protect them from illegal bootleg distribution. This is
also why Microsoft Flight Simulator 1 for IBM PC (as well MS Flight
Simulator 2 for PC and subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for various
platforms) are not as widespread as later MS Flight Simulator 3.0 and
other successors up to these days.

Microsoft Flight Simulator
1 for IBM PC offered four colours, but it worked smoothly only in
computers with CGA graphic cards and “color composite”
monitors
(you can read about a color problem in a
MSFS2 review). By that
time numerous IBM PC clones had been produced and the compatibility
problem emerged. It is suggested that Flight Simulator was often
employed as an IBM PC compatibility test program. For example, computers
with colour RGB monitors generated only a black/white picture. The
stylized instrument panel of the Cessna 182 was fitted with 8 analogue
circular instruments, fuel gauges and several digital instruments
(compass, radio, etc.). Four sceneries were offered – Boston with New
York, Los Angeles, Seattle and Chicago. There were nine views out of the
cockpit, but in comparison with later variants external views were not
available. It was possible to select a season, time, clouds, wind as
well as other flight parameters. There were also 10 preset modes of
which Europe 1917 (officially named World War I Ace) was a war mode that
was a variation of the “British Ace” included in earlier packages for
Apple II and TRS-80. It featured some improvements such as a cross-hair,
mountains surrounded the scenery from two sides, and there were also
more ground objects. In 1983 upgraded version 1.05 was released. It was
almost
identical to the previous one, but it had working “warm reset” via
Ctrl+Alt+Del keys.

In
the same year, i.e. in 1983, Artwick’s company came up with a new
version for Apple II designated subLOGIC Flight Simulator II (partial
modification release 1.0) on the
5.25” floppy disc.There
were later the 1.05 and 2.0 partial
modification releases as well.It was the Roman numerals which identified versions
made by subLOGIC, because later versions under Microsoft label were
designed for different computers. SubLOGIC Flight Simulator II for Apple
II was roughly comparable to MS Flight Simulator 1 for IBM PC. The Piper
Archer was simulated and the layout of the instrument panel, setup
options, sceneries and Europe 1917 mode were very similar. If you find
the quality of graphics on an instrument panel low, it is caused by
emulation of color mode in Apple II emulator on the PC. The violet color
of water seems a bit funny but there was the same violet color on a real
Apple II computer too. The Apple II computer supports six colors
only: black, white, blue (used for sky), green, orange and violet. Then
Artwick had to use the violet color as the water color.

In 1984
subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for Atari computers was released (though
the copyright on the floppy disk was dated 1983). According to subLOGIC, this
program was to work on Atari 400 / 600XL /
800 / 800XL / 1200XL / 1400XL / 1450XLD (manual).
It was
distributed on a 5.25” floppy disc and sceneries were added on the another
floppy disk. In 1987 a modification of Flight Simulator II v1.07 for
Atari XE console was released on a cartridge. This issue was distributed with
a new XE computer exclusively and it works on Atari
65XE, 130XE and 800XE too. However, all these modifications looked
the same. As far as their functions are concerned, they were comparable
to version II for Apple II. I believed that the difference was
the black/white
instrument panel, but I recently found out, that subLOGIC Flight
Simulator II for Atari (8bit) was able to depict the instrument panel in
colors by using a right monitor with
the composite artifact colors mode. I can even
compare the real
computer with the Atari 800 emulator.

subLOGIC Flight
Simulator II for Atari (taxing at Meigs), 1984

In
1984 Artwick also prepared a new version for Microsoft designated
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2, or 2.10 respectively (manual),
for IBM PC. In comparison to the previous version 1, it did not bring
any significant changes. It was even more similar to the version for
Apple II. When some RGB monitor was used, there were 4 colours and 4 hatched tones, but a
colour TV or a “colour composite” monitor generated up to 15 colours.
Mentioned problem with color display in MSFS 1 was solved. In the following years (1985-1987) several upgrades
designated 2.10A, 2.12, 2.13 and 2.14 were released which introduced
greater hardware support (Hercules, IBM EGA and LCD graphic cards, IBM
PS/2 computers).
Their designs were almost identical. Ten standard modes were pre-set in
the four aforementioned U.S. locations. The user could add another 20
modes to an extra disc. In addition to 9 views out of the cockpit, it
was also possible use a radar view – something like a satellite view
with zoom. However, it is quite difficult to determine the exact date of
all these modifications, because their manuals as well as the programs
themselves are dated
1984.

Mentioned should be also a
special edition of MSFS 2.12 for AST Research, Inc (AST Research was a
personal computer manufacturer). The version is exactly the same version
as the version for IBM PC computers. Microsoft made a special edition
with
AST
Research label on a floppy disk and a manual. The game itself is the
same without any differences, even with the same file date. The version
has been sold with new AST Research computer (IBM PC compatible). You
could not buy the special edition separately. The user's manual was
included in
a blue three ring binder and the first manual page has a
turquoise stripe - Special Edition for AST research, Inc. not for
resale.

Since 1985, subLOGIC also published their first add-ons for Microsoft
Flight Simulator 2.x and subLOGIC Jet 1.3 and higher. They released
quite long line of the subLOGIC Scenery Disks.

The
next version, which was prepared by Artwick for Microsoft in 1984, was
Microsoft Flight Simulator 1.0 for Texas Instruments Professional
Computer (the computer was not IBM PC compatible but we can regard it as
IBM PC clone). The simulated aircraft was Cessna 182 within already
standard sceneries New York, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles.
The WW1 Ace mode was included too. Flight Simulator 1.0 for Texas
Instruments Professional Computer allowed displaying in black/white mode,
in grey shades or green shades (it depends on a monitor type) or eight
colors in the color graphics mode. The version was distributed on one
5,25” floppy disc.

Still
in 1984, subLOGIC launched their version Flight Simulator II for
Commodore 64. Its design resembled the same version for Atari, but at
the first sight is differed in colors of the instruments in the
instrument panel.
One of the released modifications was on the MG cassette. It is curious that
the first side includes Champaign to Kankakee scenery and the plane starts on
Champaign Willard airport (it is different from
the
floppy disk edition). The
second side of the cassette includes WW1 Ace mode. The 5,25” floppy disk
edition was released in the same year. By the way, it is very interesting that Andras Szigethy from Hungary
made a conversion of C 64 release to
Flight Simulator II for
Commodore Plus/4 computer. It means that it is not an original
subLOGIC release. The C +/4 computers were next computers in Commodore
developmental line and they were not compatible with C 64.

Thomas Funke from Germany
gave the next interesting information about a modified versionof
subLOGIC's Flight Simulator II for Commodore 64 which was used in a
professional flight training device in East Germany between 1988 and
1990.

Late
in
1984 subLOGIC made Flight Simulator II, version 1.00, for one of the first laptops in
the world - Data General/One. In fact the product hit markets in
January 1985. Owing to the capabilities of this IBM PC
compatible computer, this version was monochromatic. The colors depend
on the DG/One model. There were few DG/One models: Model 2213A (1984)
and model 2217A (1986) with larger grey or
green LCD display,
DG/One 2T - Model 2540A (1987) with green LCD display, Model 2513A (1987) marked as Model 2T
as well, with smaller yellow-green LCD
display and finally there was the upgrade to
a high contrast
gray LCD screen
for Model 2213A and 2217A. Flight
Simulator II was supplied on
one 3.5” floppy disc of 720kb. The
simulator was started by booting from the floppy disc similarly to the
PC versions, but if you explore the disc, you will find only “read.me”
file on it. The Piper PA-28-181 Archer II was simulated. Setup options,
sceneries and Europe 1917 mode were practically identical to the
previous versions.

In
1985 subLOGIC released Jet simulator for IBM PC (later also for C64,
Apple II, Amiga, Atari ST and NEC PC-9801). Although this simulator is not a linear member of the Flight
Simulator family, Artwick is signed as its co-author and that is why it
has its place here. The instrument panel had basic instruments and
indicators were placed around the screen (likewise Flight Simulator 1
for TRS-80). Jet emulated several types of combat aircraft, and it
offered more air combat than flight simulation.

subLOGIC Jet for
IBM PC, 1985

In
1985 Artwick developed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2.12 edition for Tandy
1000/1200HD/2000. Its functions and design were almost identical to
those of the same version for IBM PC. Interestingly, MS Flight Simulator
for Tandy computers also runs smoothly on IBM PCs. Moreover, you can
change the graphics mode during the game.

The
year 1986 witnessed another major breakthrough in the design of new
versions of Flight Simulator. Artwick fully exploited capabilities of
Amiga and Atari ST computers, and released subLOGIC Flight Simulator II
for Atari ST and subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for Amiga. Although they
were designated with Roman II as the versions for Apple II, Atari, C 64
and Data General/One mentioned above, the amount of innovations was such
that it could have been designated version III. They are pretty
comparable with later MS Flight Simulator 3.0. The most innovative
features included the system of roll menu bars, new views such as “spot,
track, tower”, and besides the Cessna 182, the Learjet 25G is also
offered. You can also open another view and modify its size and
position. Moreover, you can also choose the direction of the view and
open the map view. The display resolution was 320 x 240 and 16 colours
were used. After I compared the Amiga and Atari ST editions, the only
difference between them was a different colour and shape of the cursor
arrow. The Atari ST edition has a white arrow, while the Amiga one is
brown. Likewise, with the previous Flight Simulator packages for other
platforms, upgraded editions followed, for example subLOGIC Flight
Simulator II for Amiga versions 1.1 and 1.2 in 1987. The first version 1.0 of Flight
Simulator II for Atari ST was released separately in an edition with monochrome
monitor support only and in an edition with color monitor support only (not
working with monochrome monitors). The next partial modification 1.1
already includes support for color and
monochrome monitors. A kind of monitor is
detected automatically.

A rarity is the next picture. There you can see a screenshot from
the first beta test version of subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for Atari ST
which was issued in November 1985. Still many functions are not
operative, just one test scenery with mountains is included, there are
used more colors on an instrument panel and plane exterior than in a
final release.

A beta version of
subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for Atari ST, 1985

Back in
1986 subLOGIC also released its Flight Simulator II for NEC PC-9801.
This edition was comparable to MS Flight Simulator 2 for IBM PC. As NEC
PCs were produced in Japan, this version was intended for the Japanese
market. That is also why it is very rare. It was supplied on one 5.25”
(release for PC-9801F/VF/VM) or 3.5" (release for PC-9801U2/UV2) boot floppy discs which featured the kind of
copy protection already mentioned
above.

Still in 1986 Artwick
created Microsoft Flight Simulator 1 for Apple Macintosh computer. This
was another example of parallel Flight Simulator editions sold both
under subLOGIC and Microsoft, though they were created by the same man –
Bruce Artwick. As far as its features are concerned, MS Flight Simulator
1 for Macintosh is comparable with subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for
Amiga and Atari ST. There are similar roll menu bars, new views, the
second view, a direction view window and map window. However, there is
also one substantial difference that is the monochromatic picture of
high resolution. Interestingly, the following version for Macintosh was
designated MS Flight Simulator 4.0 without versions 2 and 3 having ever
been released. However, the version 1, respectively 1.00 and 1.02, was
released separately for American and other markets.

In 1986 was launched Tandy
Color Computer 3. The Tandy Corporation wanted to get better computer
for competition with Commodore Amiga and Atari ST and they wanted to
continue its quite popular line of computers. Then it is not so
surprising that in 1987 was released subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for
Color Computer 3 too. It was distributed in a usual paper box in VHS
cassette format. The program itself is on one 5,25” floppy disk and it
boots in Color Computer 3 under OS-9 Level2 operation system. Flight
Simulator II allows displaying on color TV, RGB or color composite
monitors. A simulated plane is Piper Cherokee PA-28-181 Archer II and
the sceneries of Chicago, Kankakee, Champaign, Seattle, Los Angeles and
New York are presented as well as WW 1 Ace mode (on the picture below).
When I can compare the Color Computer 3 release with Atari, Commodore 64
and Apple II releases, the Color Computer 3 release is using more
colors. In other side it seems that the version has lower resolution of
instrument panel. A new menu system, new views and the second window
view, known from Amiga, Atari ST and Macintosh, are not presented. There
is no sound feature in this version. By
the way, there exist a flight simulation program calledFlight Sim Ifor
Color Computer, but it has not any relation to subLOGIC/Microsoft Flight
Simulator series.

The
year 1988 brought great changes for subLOGIC and Artwick that also
affected the future of Flight Simulator. subLOGIC released Flight
Simulator “With torpedo attack” for MSX computers. This edition was
absolutely unique and represented an exception from the civil flight
simulation philosophy. It can be compared to the previous subLOGIC Jet
or to the future MS Combat Flight Simulator. The software was supplied
on a cartridge and was originally intended mainly for the Japanese
market. As the dedicated computer became more and more popular around
the world, the program was eventually widespread as well. The missions
included a torpedo attack against an enemy ship or air combat with
hostile aircraft, for instance. The graphics corresponded to the
capabilities of MSX computers, i.e. there were no roll menus, additional
windows or other gadgets of earlier Flight Simulator for Atari ST, Amiga
or Macintosh. Its designation Flight Simulator was presumably chosen for
commercial reasons.

Japanese market was evidently very interesting,
because in the same year 1988, subLOGIC released a version of Flight
Simulator with Torpedo Attack for NEC PC-8801 computers. The PC-8801
version was slightly different from MSX version. The instruments were
placed a bit differently and there were used only four colors. In
fact the simulation was almost the same. The release was distributed on
one 5,25 inch floppy disk. A small notice for explanation: NEC PC-8801
was a computer based on 8-bit microprocessor Z80. Next releases of
Flight Simulator for Japanese computers, mentioned here as well, were
programmed for PC-9800 series computers. The computers included
relatively wide family of 16-bit computers. The first one was PC-9801
which was based on i8086/5 MHz CPU, next models were equipped with
i80286 CPU, the last one was PC-9821 with i80386 CPU. There were later
even models with i486, Pentium and Pentium II. It is clear now, that
PC-8801 was the 8-bit home computer for playing games while PC-9800
series computers were comparable with standard of IBM PC, although they
were not compatible.

subLOGIC Flight
Simulator with torpedo attack for NEC PC-8801, 1988

Still, the most important project of that year was the preparation of a
PC version. Nevertheless, things changed after contentions
between Artwick and Stu Moment. Late 1988, Artwick left subLOGIC and
with several of his colleagues set up a new company – BAO (Bruce Artwick
Organization). Although the rest of the former subLOGIC team (with Stu
Moment as a head) carried on
creating flight simulation programs, it was Artwick who owned the Flight
Simulator trademark.

Despite
all the disputes and changes, Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 for IBM PC was
released in 1988 (although the copyright is dated 1987). It would
certainly take several pages to describe all functions and setup options
of this new version. The progress achieved with the aforementioned
versions for Atari ST, Amiga and Macintosh was nearly brought to
perfection. Several types of representation were provided. In maximum EGA or VGA – 16 colours and resolution 640x350. The simulated aircraft
included the Cessna Skylane Turbo RGII, Learjet 25G (both with
retractable landing gear) and Sopwith Camel. They shared the same
instrument panel, but their flight characteristics were different.
Flight over famous panoramas of Chicago, New York or San Francisco was
quite realistic, and you were also offered stunts such as a flight under
Golden Gate bridge or an aircraft carrier landing. It should be noted
that World War I Ace mode was retained, and you could engage enemy
aircraft in the Europe 1917 scenery. Version 3.0 featured distinctive
balloon-like clouds. It was also the first PC version, which was not run
from a floppy disc. It was installed on the hard disc with MS DOS
operational system (or MS-DOS compatible). There was the special release
of Microsoft Flight Simulator 3.0 for Tandy/IBM PC and compatibles
in 1988 as
well. The release includes both 3,5" and 5,25" disks.

As it has been mentioned,
after Artwick left subLOGIC, the company went on producing flight
simulators. In 1989 they released PC helicopter simulator called Thunder
Chopper.

subLOGIC Thunder
Chopper for DOS (two ships in sight), 1989

Meanwhile,
BAO prepared a new version for Microsoft which came out in 1989 as MS
Flight Simulator 4.0 for PC. The sceneries were identical to those of
version 3.0, and actually both version were very similar as far as their
designs are concerned. However, the quality of simulation had been much
improved. The aircraft were the Cessna Skylane RG – Model 182 (featuring
continuous animation of landing gear retraction and visible deployed
flaps), Learjet 25G, Sopwith Camel, then the new Schweizer 2-32
Sailplane glider (with an instrument panel different from the other
types) and an experimental propeller aircraft. The scenery was dynamic
and the air traffic at the airport was realistically represented. The
weather generator was new as well.

In
connection with MS Flight Simulator 4.0 it is also necessary to mention
a program designated Aircraft and Scenery Designer created by BAO for
Microsoft in 1990. As its name implies, this product enabled
modification or entire creation of new aircraft, airports or whole
sceneries (scenery dynamics). The program was integrated into Flight
Simulator as a user interface. This was the first step which initiated
development of a vast range of home-made and professional accessories
for Flight Simulator. Moreover, Aircraft and Scenery Designer also
introduced new types of aircraft such as an experimental jet plane, the
Boeing 747-400 (with a completely new instrument panel), Piper Cherokee
Archer II etc. MS Flight Simulator 4 was the last version containing the
full WWI Ace mode. In 1990 version 4.0b (the picture above) was released in which errors of
version 4.0 were fixed.

Aircraft and
Scenery Designer for Flight Simulator 4, 1990

subLOGIC did not idle around, and in 1990 they
released flight simulator with unusually long name subLOGIC Flight
Assignment: Airline Transport Pilot. You may find interesting that its
release had been preceded by a dispute between subLOGIC and Microsoft,
in fact Artwick, about the use of source codes from previous versions as
well as the title itself which was to be Flight Simulator: Airline
Transport Pilot. Eventually, subLOGIC yielded and made an agreement with
Microsoft. A lot of virtual pilots claim that Flight Assignment: ATP is
much better than MS Flight Simulator 4.0. See a superb article byMarcus
Vitzethumfor more details.

subLOGIC Flight
Assignment: Airline Transport Pilot (Chicago), 1990

During the following years
Microsoft’s marketing strategy was probably aimed at servicing the other
most common computer platforms, so in 1991 MS Flight Simulator 4.0 for
Apple Macintosh was released followed by Microsoft Flight Simulator 4.0b for
NEC PC-9800 series
computers (for the
Japanese market) in 1992. Functions of both editions were comparable to
version 4.0 for PC. The menu of the package for Macintosh was designed
in a way typical for these computers. What is more, the Mac operational
system allowed the customer to feel free when placing various windows on
the screen. The design of the edition for NEC PC-9800 is practically
identical to the version for PC, so you may easily get the wrong
impression that this is only a language modification of the PC version.
In fact, it was a genuine version on its own.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 4.0
for Apple Macintosh (Chicago), 1991

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 4.0b for NEC PC-9800 series, 1992

In
1993 Microsoft launched a new generation with its MS Flight Simulator
5.0 for PC. The maximum SVGA resolution was 640x400 in 256 colours.
Terrain, aircraft, buildings and clouds were textured and had their own
shadows. Only the Cessna Skylane RG, Learjet 35A, Sopwith Camel and
Schweizer 2-32 Sailplane were simulated, but each machine had its own
type of the instrument panel. On the other hand, there were more
sceneries – Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle,
Paris and Munich. In 1994 upgraded version 5.0a came out in which errors
of the basic version were corrected.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 5.0 for DOS (Chicago), 1993

In
1994 was released next version for Japanese computers NEC PC-98 line.
Actually it was Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0a for NEC PC-9821/ PC-9800/
PC-H98. As the computers are not compatible with IBM PC standard,
Microsoft launched the separate edition which is functionally comparable
with the same named edition for IBM PC computers. The simulator performs
on MS DOS 5.0 operational system or higher and it is in Japanese
language only. It was distributed on three 3,5” floppy disks. On the picture below is Tokyo scenery which is not included on
installation floppy disks but it was sell as a separate add-on called
Japan scenery. Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.0a for NEC PC-9821 was the
latest version dedicated to other platform than PC.

SubLOGIC kept abreast and
in 1994 the company released Flight Lightsimulator with a fully revised
code. A Cessna CitationJet was simulated and its stylized instrument panel was
completely different from the previous designs of instrument panels
created by subLOGIC.

subLOGIC Flight
Light (Chicago), 1994

In
1995 Microsoft Flight Simulator 5.1 was launched. At the first glimpse
it did not differ from version 5.0, but actually it was much improved.
The program was supplied either on four 3.5” floppy discs or for the
first time on the CD ROM.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 5.1 for DOS (New York), 1995

In December 1995 Artwick made
another crucial decision. He realized that small companies did not stand
a good chance of being successful in a heavy competition, so he sold his BAO to Microsoft.
Artwick’s team joined Microsoft and he became a
consultant. Curiously, his former company subLOGIC was sold to Sierra at
about that time too.

Close to taking over subLOGIC by Sierra in 1995,
subLOGIC released an improved version of Flight Light simulator titled
Flight Light Plus. Compared to its predecessor, it supported MS Windows
and offered more aircraft types (Cessna CitationJet, Cessna 172, Beach
Bonanza, Piper Archer, Mooney 201). You may also find interesting that in
1996 Sierra released subLOGIC Flight Light Plus named simply as subLOGIC
Flight. The program was distributed on CD ROM with different box cover.

Part of the
subLOGIC personnel moved from Illinois to Eugene, Oregon, and joined
Dynamix
(a game developer). They did not bring any code with them, just a huge
geographical database. Then Sierra (a game producer) released Pro Pilot
in 1997. They used just the database and knowledge of the former
subLOGIC. Later they released 3 patches for the Pro Pilot and Pro Pilot
´99 in 1998. Sierra Pro Pilot 2000 has been cancelled.

Sierra Pro Pilot (Cessna
CitationJet), 1997

A mention should also be
made about BAO Flight Simulator Flight Shop for MS Flight Simulator
5.x released in 1995 (consists of Aircraft Factory, ATC Workshop, new planes F/A-18, DC-3,
T6D Texan and others, upgrade to version 5.0a) and BAO
Tower (air traffic control simulator) from 1996.
Both programs already support MS Windows 3.x
and Windows 95.

BAO Flight
Simulator Flight Shop, 1995

BAO Tower, 1996

The
new generation of Flight Simulator arrived in 1996 when Microsoft Flight
Simulator for Windows 95 was released. This was the full name of the
brand new product which is also known as version 6.0. As its name
implies it was designed for the new operational system. Besides the
well-proven types – the Cessna 182RG, Learjet 35A, Schweizer 2-32
Sailplane, Sopwith Camel, it also offered the Boeing 737-400 and Extra
300S. Apart from its detailed scenery, this version also benefits from
capabilities of MS Windows 95. These include comfortable installation, a
greater number of windows projected per second, or multimedia help which
is available any time during the game. The maximum resolution on the
whole screen is 640x480.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator for Windows 95 (Grand Canyon), 1996

In 1997 a special Japanese
language edition of MS Flight Simulator 95 followed. In this connection I would
like to point out that even the previous versions had been distributed
in various languages, such as German or French.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator for Windows 95 (Japanese edition), 1997

Yet
in 1997 a new version came out – MS Flight Simulator 98, designated as
version 6.1. The versions for Windows can be regarded as “modern”, so
only basic information follows. The highest optional resolution is
1400x1050, 16bit colour depth, and for the first time 3D hardware
acceleration is supported. New simulations include the Bell 206B
JetRanger, Learjet 45 and Cessna 182S, i.e. a total of 8 types with a
virtual cockpit, however, the latter is still far from being 3D.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 98 (Grand Canyon), released 1997

The 1999 saw arrival of MS
Flight Simulator 2000, designated as version 7.0. Likewise MSFS 2002,
which followed later on, it was released in Standard and Professional
editions. A typical aircraft simulated here is Concorde. This version,
however, does not feature virtual cockpits. In 2000 it was followed by
an update patch version 2000b in which the errors of the original
version were remedied.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2000 (Manhattan), released 1999

In
2001 MS Flight Simulator 2002, or version 8.0, was released. The highest
possible resolution is 1400x1050 and 32bit colour depth. A total of 17
aircraft are represented. These comprise various types of Cessna, the
Bell 206B helicopter, JetRanger, Learjet 45, Mooney Bravo, F4U-1A
Corsair, Boeing 737, 747, 777 and others. On the other hand, Concorde is
missing this time. The aircraft have virtual cockpits and the scenery
utilizes new AutoGen system.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2002 (Grand Canyon), released 2001

In 2003
Microsoft came with MS Flight Simulator 2004 A Century of Flight,
designated as version 9.0. Among others, it contains a multimedia
presentation of aviation history and several historical types such as
the Wright Flyer, Vickers F.B.27A Vimy, Ryan NYP “Spirit of St. Louis”,
Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny”, DC-3 and others. In 2004 it was released an update
patch 9.1 in which errors of version 9.0 are corrected.

Microsoft Flight
Simulator 2004 (Golden Gate Bridge), released 2003

The Microsoft Flight Simulator X
was released in 2006 and an official add-on called Microsoft Flight
Simulator X Acceleration expansion pack was released in 2007. They look
amazing! See pictures below. Stunning graphics (view of Rio de Janeiro),
new planes, missions, many next nice things (animals), much fun (Red
Bull Air Race)!!! There are couple of Flight Simulator X releases called
Deluxe (Professional) edition, Standard edition and Gold edition (issued
in 2008).

In 2010 was released a flight simulation program called Prepar3D.
It is not the program made or produced by Microsoft, but I have to
mention it, because it is based on a source code of Microsoft's ESP
which was a commercial version of Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
Lockheed Martin bought the code, hired members of the original ACES
Studios team to continue development of the product. Prepar3D allows
users to create
educational scenarios in the air, sea and on the ground. Most Flight
Simulator X add-ons work in Prepar3D without any adjustment because
Prepar3D is kept backward compatible. The differences with MSFS:X are in
graphics. Users will experience higher quality graphics such as more
realistic rainy or snowy weather with the modernized shader model. For
higher quality graphics are increased texture limits which can be set as
high as 4096 x 4096. Blurries are greatly reduced because Prepar3D
actually uses multiple cores for rendering ground texture instead of
just one. New is a user interface compatible with Windows 7.

On 29 February 2012 was released
Microsoft Flight. Microsoft changed not only the program name, but
even its philosophy. Microsoft announced that it was inspired by many
years of FS tradition, but the result is more a game than flight
simulation. Microsoft left their slogan: “As real as it gets”. The
philosophy of the simulation approaches to flight arcade games. So it is
completely different than in Microsoft Flight Simulator series. The game
was not distributed in box, but only through the Internet download.
Basic package of the game was for free. You must buy additional
aircrafts and scenery locations. There are following modes in the game:
free flight, multiplayer through the Games for Windows LIVE account,
missions and search for air caches.

On 26 July 2012 Microsoft announced, that they cancelled next development of
Microsoft Flight. It was very surprising decision without giving specific
reasons, just five months after it was issued. Microsoft Flight with its
philosophy is mostly focused to easy game flying. In my opinion, the
Microsoft Flight has nearby nothing with previous long genealogy of
Microsoft Flight Simulator. So I do not consider the Microsoft Flight a
follower of Flight Simulator series, but I had to mention this side
direction.

On 18 December 2014,
Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition was released. According to official
announcements, it is a re-release of
Microsoft Flight Simulator X Gold Edition, which includes the Deluxe and
Acceleration packs and both Service Packs. It includes "all standard
Steam functionality", and replaces the GameSpy multiplayer system with
Steam's multiplayer system. It is updated Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 support. FSX:
Steam Edition has not a box distribution, only Internet download with
activation is available. There are not visual differences except the Steam
Edition sign.

On the 9th of July 2014 Dovetail Games announced a licensing agreement with
Microsoft to distribute Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam Edition and to
develop further products based on Microsoft's technology for the
entertainment market. On the 11th of February 2016 Dovetail Games announced
their plans to launch two new flight simulation titles in 2016:
Dovetail Games Flight School and Dovetail Games Flight Simulator. Flight
School should be released in April 2016. That will be a standalone
experience focused on learning to fly.

The Dovetail Games Flight Simulator is scheduled for launch in the latter
part of the year. Dovetail says: "DTG Flight Simulator is still very much in
development and is planned to be more expansive and evolved than Flight
School. We are committed to developing a cutting edge flight simulator which
takes full advantage of modern PCs and can be continuously built upon. For
starters, Dovetail Games Flight Simulator will be a 64-bit simulator using
DirectX 11 and take full advantage of modern GPU and CPU performance. We are
in this for the long term and intend to support and expand upon DFS for
years to come. We aren’t just going to make a new simulator – we intend to
build a new simulation platform which grows with you, our players, over
time".

In
my opinion, this is the most important information, because in fact it means
that
the long Flight Simulator history is still alive!!!